RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (September 24, 2007)--According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population in the state of Arkansas increased by 337 percent between 1990 and 2000. Conservative estimates place the state’s Hispanic population today above 100,000.
With these figures in mind, Arkansas Tech University has addressed one of the state’s most pressing health care deficiencies by offering a new Bachelor of Arts degree option in foreign languages with a concentration in Spanish-English medical interpretation.
The degree option is a cooperative effort of the nursing and foreign language departments at Arkansas Tech. Graduates from the program will be equipped to bridge the communication gap between members of the Hispanic community and health care professionals.
The program is designed to meet the medical interpretation standards set forth by professional organizations such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care.
Students in the program will delve into all aspects of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. They will also study subjects in health sciences ranging from anatomy and physiology to legal and ethical issues in the health care industry.
For more information about the new degree option in Spanish-English medical interpretation, contact the Arkansas Tech Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies by calling (479) 964-0807.
